Good morning, Toon Army. The transfer rumors will only become more plentiful and fanciful as we move toward the end of the window. Now more than ever, take what you read with a grain of salt, especially when the WWE is at the center of the story.
News
Newcastle released an official statement about Andy Carroll, saying that "there is no factual basis" in reports that Carroll will be out for two months. (BBC Sport) Alan Pardew went on to say that he hopes Carroll will be fit for the Fulham match on February 2, but that Steven Taylor has already been ruled out. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle) Ryder also mentions that Pardew will be taking the club to the training ground in Faro, Portugal so that they can practice on a heated pitch.
Joey Barton has opened up discussions with the club about a contract extension, saying that he wants to play out the duration of his career on Tyneside. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)
James McMahon of MirrorFootball calls the recent rumors that WWE CEO Vince McMahon wants to buy Newcastle a "ridiculous supposition," but then takes it a little too seriously by listing several reasons he would be a less-than-ideal owner.
Hartlepool United have signed Ryan Donaldson on a one month loan. (BBC Sport)
Transfer Rumors
Alan Pardew is said to be looking at 19 year-old defender Jeffrey Bruma of Chelsea for depth in the center of the defense. (Matt Rowan, CaughtOffside)
Add Bolton to the growing list of teams interested in the services of Shaun Wright-Phillips. (Alan Nixon, MirrorFootball)
Birmingham City have inquired about Shola Ameobi. (The Daily Mail)
Sol Campbell is apparently trying to line up a move to Celtic. (Derek McGregor, The Sun)
Alan Pardew is reportedly shopping Tim Krul. (Alan Oliver, The People)